Psalm, 102

A prayer of the oppressed one when he is in despair^*1 and pours out his concern before Jehovah.

¹ O Jehovah, hear my prayer; Let my cry for help reach you.

² Do not hide your face from me in my time of distress. Incline your ear^*1 to me; Do answer me quickly when I call.

³ For my days are vanishing like smoke, And my bones are charred like a fireplace.

⁴ My heart has been struck down like grass and has withered, For I forget to eat my food.

⁵ Because of my loud groaning, My bones cling to my flesh.

⁶ I resemble the pelican of the wilderness; I am like a little owl among the ruins.

⁷ I lie awake;^*1 I am like a solitary bird on a roof.

⁸ All day long my enemies taunt me. Those who mock me^*1 use my name as a curse.

⁹ For I eat ashes as my bread, And my drink is mingled with tears,

¹⁰ Because of your anger and your indignation, For you lifted me up only to cast me aside.

¹¹ My days are like a fading shadow,^*1 And I am withering like grass.

¹² But you remain forever, O Jehovah, And your fame^*1 will endure for all generations.

¹³ Surely you will rise up and show mercy on Zion, For it is time to show her your favor; The appointed time has come.

¹⁴ For your servants find pleasure in her stones And have affection even for her dust.

¹⁵ The nations will fear the name of Jehovah, And all the kings of the earth your glory.

¹⁶ For Jehovah will rebuild Zion; He will appear in his glory.

¹⁷ He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.

¹⁸ This is written for the future generation, So that a people yet to be brought forth^*1 will praise Jah.

¹⁹ For he looks down from his holy height, From the heavens Jehovah views the earth,

²⁰ To hear the sighing of the prisoner, To release those sentenced to death,

²¹ So that the name of Jehovah will be declared in Zion And his praise in Jerusalem,

²² When the peoples and kingdoms Gather together to serve Jehovah.

²³ He prematurely robbed me of my strength; He cut short my days.

²⁴ I said: “O my God, Do not do away with me in the middle of my life, You whose years span all generations.

²⁵ Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands.

²⁶ They will perish, but you will remain; Just like a garment they will all wear out. Just like clothing you will replace them, and they will pass away.

²⁷ But you are the same, and your years will never end.

²⁸ The children of your servants will dwell securely, And their offspring will be firmly established before you.”